Shira Haas, Ben Platt, Josh Malina send birthday wishes to Israel virtually

Actors Shira Haas, Ben Platt and Josh Malina were among the stars who joined a virtual ceremony on Wednesday celebrating Israel’s 72nd Independence Day. The hourlong ceremony, organized by the Jewish Federations of North America and broadcast on YouTube and Facebook, also featured a musical performance by Matisyahu and an appearance by prominent sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin also spoke to viewers. The program had been nearly 10,000 views shortly after it finished. Read more.